Food Network Star S9 E6

The latest season of Food Network Star is underway and the latest round of wannabe TV chefs have begun their quest. We’ve seen first impressions and heard what the judges think but what the world really wants to know is what I think. Let’s do this.

If you haven’t seen tonight’s episode STOP! Watch it HERE first and then come back. It’s a frickin recap, yo!

Branding: Food Network Stars need to communicate big ideas quickly, so this week, each finalist will have to come up with a product representing their unique brand and culinary style and then create, package and pitch the product to a tough panel of successful food executives from Target, Kellogg’s and Kraft. The selection committee will decide who did best overall, and who will go home.

Last week Viet went home. That’s too bad. He has a great smile and his cooking is top notch but sometimes he just wasn’t good on camera and when that happened it seemed it effected his food. Still, with a little more coaching Viet could be a real star. When he spoke with passion he was great. Chad had an off week last time out. At least by his standards, he still had a top 3 finish. But that also goes to show how bad some of the other showings were last week. It’s also a testament to how few Starsters are left. After tonight we’ll be halfway done. I know, right?

Now for my take on each:

Eliminated week 2.

Chad did what he does best for the branding challenge – BBQ. He did okay. Alton said he liked Chad’s beans… a little bit and that they were the better of the two. His presentation was pretty good but the execs were not impressed with the whole package.

Chris is stating to hit his groove a little. His soup idea was a little safe but his smoked apple and pepper jam sounded intriguing. His soup was way too hot. His jam was well liked but they suggested he not call it a jam. And that’s how smoked apple ketchup was invented. His presentation was terrible.

Damaris was worried that she didn’t have what it takes for the branding challenge. Her whiskey-honey vinaigrette didn’t work but her jam rocked. Her pitched was forced. She was not herself and it may have cost her but she pulled it out in the Q&A for a top 3 finish.

Eliminated week 1.

Eliminated week 4.

Nikki’s eggplant sauce sure had a funky color to it. The judges hated it. Her roasted pepper sauce was better but not great. Her pitch was fine but she didn’t handle the Q&A well.

Eliminated week 3.

Rodney returned to his center by making pies for the branding challenge. It paid off in both concept and taste. He hit it out of the park with his all in one pie kits. I think he was the clear winner. The presentation was catchy if not informative. He nose-dived.

Russell’s risk on his branding challenge could be make or break. Nothing comes easy to this guy but he just keeps battling. His ice cream was good, his bacon candy better. His pitch was very good. A great over all job. Top 3.

Stacey had both of her dishes go sideways during the branding challenge. Her gluten-free cookies bombed. However her cayenne butterscotch sauce was a winner. Her presentation did go too well but she recover fine. The execs loved the butterscotch. The judges told her to stop rehearsing but they loved her. Who wouldn’t? Another top 3 finish.

Stuart is a celebrity chef, food activist and award-winning food writer. He penned the cookbooks Third Coast Cuisine: Recipes of the Gulf of Mexico, No Sides Needed: 34 Recipes To Simplify Life and Amigeauxs - Mexican/Creole Fusion Cuisine. He hosts two Internet cooking shows "Everyday Gourmet" and "Little Grill Big Flavor." His recipes have been featured in Current, Lagniappe, Southern Tailgater, The Kitchen Hotline and on the Cooking Channel.